Over the past year, the world of golf has seen a mix of milestones, including a career Grand Slam and tumult during the Ryder Cup. As we approach 2026, our writers reflect on 2025’s most significant moments and their impact.
Reflecting on Milestones
No. 15 — The zero-torque putter movement | No. 14 — ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ makes waves in golf | No. 13 — Joaquin Niemann’s successful 2025 | No. 12 — J.J. Spaun triumphs at Oakmont | No. 11 — The Internet Invitational
Highlighting Disturbing Events
At the Ryder Cup in Bethpage, Saturday devolved into chaos that mirrored a heated internet debate, leaving attendees unsettled. Amid the fray, a mix of poor play and excessive alcohol consumption led to a notably hostile atmosphere, particularly directed towards Rory McIlroy.
Personal Reflections on Disappointment
Anticipating the event for six years, I felt disillusioned as unruly crowd behavior tainted the experience, overshadowing everything good about the venue. Reflecting later, I realized my own emotions were tied to witnessing this degradation of the sport.
Analyzing the Underlying Issues
The backlash towards Bethpage was rife with elitism and classism, reflecting a troubling sentiment within the golf community that I couldn’t counter. It became apparent that the crowd’s behavior was symptomatic of broader issues that plague many major tournaments.
Calls for Action and Responsibility
The events at Bethpage weren’t an isolated incident but part of a larger trend associated with tournament golf—overpriced tickets, chaotic hospitality, and a crowd eager for social media fame. It’s crucial for the golf community to acknowledge these issues and work towards solutions.
Maintaining Golf’s Integrity
It’s vital that we protect the core values of golf which emphasize respect and sportsmanship. The outburst of negative behavior at Bethpage must serve as a catalyst for change, prompting both fans and organizers to reflect on how to nurture a positive environment moving forward.
Commitment to Change
The urgency for improvement in fan behavior and event management cannot be overstated. As we move ahead, a collective commitment to uphold civility in golf is essential to preserve its spirit for future generations.
